Demonic Hollow: Mask of Courage - Season Two: Behind The War

Episode Five - Congression

It was a week after Ryu began his venture. Thanks to his knowledge of other demon clans in his year of being leader of his own, he managed, finally, to track one down. It was in a desolate area, void of any human life, but it was rich in animal life. Ryu looks around, he'd been traveling non-stop for that entire week. He felt ill, tired, unmotivated...but he'd finally done it. He approaches a gate, sealed tight, with two demon guards standing on top. They aim weapons at him. "Stop where you are!" says one of the guards. Ryu stops, raising his hands.

He looked just as bad as he felt, he wasn't prepared for this journey, and it took its toll on him. "State your name and business," the guard says. Ryu looks up, "my name is Ryu...I come from my own demon clan, which was destroyed by humans! We need people to rebuild, I need your help." The two guards look at each other, and quickly run off, leaving Ryu with more questions.

He sighs, looking down, lowering his hands. He turns, adjusting his bag as he takes a step, before someone shouts for him, "WAIT!" He looks back. "You're Ryu? THE Ryu?! Our grand elder must speak with you!" He smiles slightly, nodding, "yes, of course!" They usher him inside. Ryu sees the community, it was strong, bustling with demons, everyone looked so happy. He felt envious of this town, its inhabitants, and the peace they've created.

They bring him to a capital-like building, where he stands before one demon, in the highest seat, and two other demons in seats below. Ryu looks up at them, and he kneels, bowing his head. "Oh, Ryu, that's not necessary. If anything, we should be bowing to you." He raises his head, standing after, "I've come to ask something from you."

"Go ahead, we're listening," the grand elder speaks. His voice booms, and carries throughout the hall, it stuns Ryu almost, but he is still confident. "I'm sure you've heard of my battle with The Golden Angel, and the consequences it brought throughout my home, my people...to all of us. These humans, they took my home, and what's left is still in danger. I need your help," he says, folding his arms.

The grand elder stands, "of course. Your services to our kind have been more than enough to call for help on any kind. What could we do for you, our friend?" The two discussed a plan, and several hours later, there were immediate efforts on moving out. Ryu walks past the gates, several demons jog past him, carrying many items, tools, and trinkets. He smiles, his plan was finally in movement. The grand elder slowly approaches the young demon and rests a hand on his arm. Ryu looks down at the man. "I shall accompany you in your ventures to recruit our friends in common," the elder says kindly. Ryu nods, "I can't thank you enough."

Tsuzuki heaves his sword sheath over his shoulder, tightening it close. He leans down, grabbing his blade. It changed, the blade itself turned red, like blood. Tsuzuki narrows his eyes, seeing the blade closely. He sighs, sheathing it. He turns around, the young Kale stands before him. "Ah, hello Kale," Tsuzuki says kindly as he approaches the boy. "You're going back? Why?" He asks, looking up at his friend. Tsuzuki smiles, gently resting a hand on the boy's forehead, "don't worry my friend, I'm finishing what I've started."

Kale jerks himself away, folding his arms, "you can't! Words are that Ryu has recruited an army of demons already! What can you do against that? Especially alone?!" Tsuzuki chuckles, "you think I'm alone? I'm taking our most powerful warriors to aid me in battle. Don't worry Kale, it will be okay." Kale, in his frustration, turns his back on the man. He scoffs, "yeah...right. I wish I could go to protect you."

"You protect me with your courage, Kale," the demon says as he kneels before the boy. In his frustration of defeat, Kale turns back to Tsuzuki and tears up.

Concerned, the demon opens his arms in response. The two-hug close, like a father hugging his son, the young boy cried. He tightens his grip, almost squeezing his friend, "I can't lose you, not like them!" Tsuzuki nods, "I understand my friend, but I promise you I will not falter. We must put an end to it before it leaves our grasp."